Retractable Curtain For Livestock Structures

ABSTRACT

A retractable curtain system is provided and includes a curtain support system, a curtain, and a retraction system. The curtain support system includes a pair of outer walls and an upper frame to provide a curtain receiving space. The curtain covers the curtain receiving space and includes a first non-transparent panel and transparent panel connected to the first non-transparent panel. The retraction system is connected to the curtain to lower and raise the transparent panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/995,765, filed on Jan. 14, 2016, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a retractable curtain and, more particularly,to a retractable curtain system for livestock structures.

BACKGROUND

Modern livestock management practices typically make use of structuresin which to house and shelter livestock for at least a portion of time.The structures offer protection from environmental conditions such astemperature, sun exposure, precipitation, wind, and dust that areharmful or stressful to the livestock. The structures typically possessa roof that covers the structure. Where the structure is constructedwith open walls, retractable curtain systems are typically positioned atthe open walls. The curtain systems may be extended or not as dictatedby environmental conditions. The unrolling or extending of curtainsystems, while limiting the entry of undesired environmental factorslisted above, have the concurrent effect of limiting the amount ofnatural light reaching the interior of the structure. The limited lightreduces the ability of workers or automated surveillance systems, eitherfrom inside or outside of the structure, to visually inspect thelivestock and conditions contained within the structure. Furthermore,the limited light also may negatively affect the livestock held in thestructure. The limited light may also increase the need for artificiallight and thus increase energy costs.

As livestock operations grow, the size of the structures containinglivestock may grow in square footage to accommodate larger herds. Theincreased dimensions of the structure affect the amount and reach oflight entering into the interior of the structure. Efficient managementof these larger structures is a challenge that requires a curtain systemthat admits light, limits energy use, and is easy to install, operate,and maintain.

SUMMARY

A retractable curtain system is provided and includes a curtain supportsystem, a curtain, and a retraction system. The curtain support systemincludes a pair of outer walls and an upper frame to provide a curtainreceiving space. The curtain covers the curtain receiving space andincludes a first non-transparent panel and a transparent panel connectedto the first non-transparent panel. The retraction system is connectedto the curtain to lower and raise the transparent panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying figures, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable curtain system accordingto the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the retractable curtain system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the retractable curtain system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the retractable curtain system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view the retractable curtain system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 a rear view of the retractable curtain system of FIG. 1, showinga curtain in a retracted position;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of another embodiment of the retractable curtainassembly according to the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rolling assembly of the retractablecurtain system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

With reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of theinvention is directed to a curtain system according to the inventionwill be described.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a retractable curtain assembly 10 accordingto the invention is shown. The retractable curtain assembly 10 includesthe following major components: a retractable curtain 14, a curtainsupport system 40, and a retraction system 50.

Now with reference to FIGS. 1-4 the retractable curtain assembly 10 willbe described. As shown, the retractable curtain assembly 10 includes acurtain 14, an upper curtain support 16, and a lower curtain support 18.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the curtain 14 includes at least one or morenon-transparent panels 13 and a transparent panel 12 attached to the oneor more non-transparent panels 13. The transparent and non-transparentpanels 12, 13 are joined or seamed 20 to each other and arranged ingenerally horizontal and alternating order. One of skill in the art willknow appropriate seaming and joining techniques for the materials chosenfor the transparent and non-transparent panels 12, 13. In the embodimentshown, the transparent panel 12 and non-transparent panels 13 a and 13 bare attached to each other in such an order that light is introducedinto the structure through the transparent panel 12.

The transparent panel 12 is a sheet of material sufficiently transparentto allow the passage of light. Non-limiting examples of materialsuitable for the transparent panel 12 include plastic materials known tothose of skill in the art. In particular, the transparent panel 12 has ahaze less than 4.5% and light transmittance greater than 90%, both whentested according to ASTM 1003-00.

The non-transparent panel 13 is also a sheet of plastic film or fabricmaterial. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the non-transparentpanel 13 is opaque. However, one skilled in the art should appreciatethat the non-transparent panel 13 could also be a translucent materialwhich transmits light, though at a transmission rate less than that ofthe transparent panel 12.

Many suitable materials are known and available. The material chosen forthe panels 12, 13 may additionally be abrasion-resistant, weatherable,and dimensionally stable. The joined transparent panel 12 and thenon-transparent panel 13 are preferably comprised of materialssufficiently strong and flexible to allow the curtain 14 to be rolledinto a cylindrical shape without cracking or fracturing as conditionswarrant.

In the shown embodiment, the curtain 14 includes a pair ofnon-transparent panels 13 a and 13 b and a transparent panel 12positioned between the pair of non-transparent panels 13. Moreparticularly, a first non-transparent panel 13 a is provided and is arectangular section of material positioned along an upper half of thecurtain 14. A second non-transparent panel 13 b is also provided and isa rectangular section of material that is positioned along a lower halfof the curtain 14. In the embodiment shown, the first non-transparentpanel 13 a and the second non-transparent panel 13 b have the samewidth, but the second non-transparent panel 13 b has greater height thanthe first non-transparent panel 13 a. The transparent panel 12 is also arectangular section of material that positioned between the first andsecond non-transparent panels 13 a, 13 b. An upper surface of thetransparent panel 12 is connected to a lower surface of the firstnon-transparent panel 13 a, while a lower surface of the transparentpanel 12 is connected to an upper surface of the second non-transparentpanel 13 b. The transparent panel 12 may be connected to thenon-transparent panels 13 a, 13 b using known fastening mechanisms,including stitching, welding, adhesives, etc. One skilled in the artshould appreciate that the curtain 14 may be designed differently thanshown, and the non-transparent panel 13 and the transparent panel 12 maybe arranged in different configurations.

The upper curtain support 16 is rigid and strong enough to support thecurtain 14 and the lower curtain support 18. As a result, the uppercurtain support 16 can be any suitable cylindrical tubing, e.g., analuminum extrusion, or another metal or a reinforced plastic material.Likewise, the lower curtain support 18 can be any suitable cylindricaltubing, e.g., an aluminum extrusion, or another metal or a reinforcedplastic material. The lower curtain support 18 can be weighted tomaintain the curtain 14 in an upright position, with the weight of thelower curtain support 18.

One skilled in the art should appreciate that the size and shape of theupper curtain support 16 and the lower curtain support 18 could takeother known shapes and be prepared from other known materials.

In the shown embodiment, the curtain 14 further includes an uppersupport receiving passageway 17 to receive the upper curtain support 16and a lower support receiving passageway 19 to receive the lower curtainsupport 18. The upper support receiving passageway 17 is formed bylooping and stitching an upper seam of the curtain 14 to a surface ofthe curtain 14. Likewise, the lower support receiving passageway 19 isformed by looping and stitching a lower seam of the curtain 14 to thesurface of the curtain 14. Both the support receiving passageway 17 andthe support receiving passageway 19 are tubular passageways in the shownembodiment that are sized to receive the upper curtain support 16 andthe lower curtain support 18 respectively.

Now with reference to FIG. 1-4, the curtain support system 40 will bedescribed.

As shown, the curtain support system 40 includes a pair of outer walls42, an upper frame 44, a lower frame 46, and a curtain receiving space48. The pair of outer walls 42 are separately positioned on oppositeside from one another with the upper frame 44 and the lower frame 46extending there between. The curtain receiving space 48 is providedbetween the pair of outer walls 42, the upper frame 44, and the lowerframe 46.

The curtain support system 40 also optionally includes left and rightcovers 47 which conceal the edges of the curtain receiving space 48.These covers 47 may be hinged doors that open when necessary.

Since livestock structures can be of such a size that the structures mayinclude a plurality of window framings 41 formed along the curtainreceiving space 48 between the upper frame 44 and the lower frame 46.These window framings 41 allow the passage of air to ventilate thestructures. In certain embodiments, these window framings 41 are formedin a similar, generally rectilinear shape and are positioned in aside-to-side configuration between opposite ends of the structure. Aperson of skill in the art will recognize that the structures may befabricated from a variety of materials and still be in keeping with thescope of the invention. As required by the particular livestocksheltered, the structure may have one or more door or other access thatpermit the livestock to enter or leave and allow workers to enter andleave to care for and feed the livestock.

Now with reference to FIG. 1-6, the retraction system 50 will bedescribed.

While an embodiment is shown, the retraction system 50 is used to rolland unroll the curtain 14 and any known hoisting system known to the artwould be sufficient.

In the shown embodiment, the retraction system 50 includes an uppersupport rod 52, and a lifting mechanism 60.

As shown in the Figures, the upper support rod 52 is a structuralmember, such a pole, positioned along and fixed to the upper frame 44.In the shown embodiment, the upper support rod 52 is tubular and securedto the upper frame 44 using a bracket or similar known device shown, thelifting mechanism 60 is a winch, or the like, such as a windlass, forraising and lowering the curtain 14. The lifting mechanism 60 in thisembodiment is shown as being hand-cranked, but in other embodiments itmay be electrically or pneumatically operated. The lifting mechanism 60includes a plurality of hoisting cables 62 that runs from the liftingmechanism 60 for raising and lowering the curtain 14. Here there are oneor more sheaves 64 attached onto the upper support rod 52, and thehoisting cables 62 passes through one of each. The cable 62 passesthrough the inside of the upper support rod 52 and connects to thecurtain 14 and, in particular, the upper curtain support 16.Additionally, pulleys 66 are between the upper support rod 52 and theupper curtain support 16, and guide the hoisting cable 62. Here, thereis one cable 62 going to the winch through the sheaves 64.

As shown in FIG. 7, another embodiment of the invention is shown,wherein the retraction system 50 further includes a pair of outersupport rods 54, and a plurality of outer brackets 55, a pair of rollingmechanisms 56, and a winding device 58.

As shown in the Figures, the pair of outer support rods 54 arestructural members, such as rigid poles, positioned along and fixed tothe pair of outer walls 42. In the shown embodiment, each outer supportrod is a cylindrical pole secured to one of the outer walls using aplurality of outer brackets 55 positioned at opposite ends thereof.

As shown, the pair of rolling mechanisms 56 includes a set of rollerspositioned around and corresponding to the pair of outer support rods54. Each rolling mechanism 56 is free to move up and down the pair ofouter support rods 54.

As shown, the winding device 58 is connected to one of the rollingmechanisms 56, along one side of the pair of outer support rods 54. Inthe shown embodiment, the rolling mechanisms 56 is a roll-up mechanism,that is, a device for winding up the curtain 14 about the lower curtainsupport 18. The lower curtain support 18 is connected to the windingdevice 58, so as to rotate when the winding device is rotated, forinstance, using the roll-up mechanism.

As shown in the FIGS. 1-6, anti-billowing straps 70 are provided andconfigured as generally shown. The strap 70 itself may be a woven web orother suitable material and is attached at the upper frame 44 by meansof a strapping bracket 72, which also serves a stand-off to create aspace between the strap 70 and the outward facing side of the upperframe 44. The lower end of the strap 70 is attached in various ways,including attached to the lower frame 46. The curtain 14 can berestrained with the strap 70 preventing billowing inward or outward.

Now with reference to the FIGS. 1-8, operation of the retractablecurtain assembly will be discussed. As shown in FIG. 1, the curtain 14is movable between a retracted position X (see FIG. 4) and an extendedposition Y (see FIG. 4) to control the amount of light entering thelivestock structure. According to the invention, the curtain 14 includesat least one flexible transparent panel 12 connected to at least oneflexible non-transparent panel 13.

As shown in FIG. 1-3, when the curtain 14 is extended as fully aspossible, light is allowed into the interior of the structure at thesame time that there is a barrier to the free flow of wind and otherundesirable environmental conditions into and out of the structure. Asshown in FIG. 4, the curtain 14 is hoisted into a storage position. Thecurtain 14 is wound and stored at the general height of the upperframing 44, where the retraction system 50 is attached to the structure.The curtain 14 can be extended or rolled up depending on the weather andthe conditions inside the structure. As an option, the curtain 14 may berolled up partially. A worker may easily crank the curtain 14 using thelifting mechanism 60. The upper curtain support 16 raises the curtain 14to the upper support rod 52. The worker uses the lifting mechanism 60 tolift or lower the curtain using the hoisting cable 62 that is attachedto the upper curtain support 16 and drawn through the pulleys 66. At achange of conditions, it is also a simple matter to wind up the curtain14 for storage using the retraction system 50.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6-8, the curtain 14 can then be woundupward from the lower curtain support 18 using the winding device 58.The worker uses the winding device 58 to rotate the lower curtainsupport to wind up the curtain 14 about the lower curtain support 18.Accordingly, the lower curtain support 18 steadily scales up the outersupport rods 54 using the rolling mechanisms 56 that are also attachedto the winding device 58 (see FIG. 6).

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope andspirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoingdescription be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and thatthe scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together withtheir full range of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retractable curtain system, comprising: acurtain support system having a pair of outer walls and an upper framethat define a curtain receiving space; a curtain capable of covering anentirety of the curtain receiving space and having: a firstnon-transparent panel connected to the upper curtain support; atransparent panel extended horizontally and directly welded to the firstnon-transparent panel; and a second non-transparent panel connected tothe transparent panel and positioned opposite the first non-transparentpanel and directly welded to the transparent panel; wherein thetransparent panel is movable up and down along the curtain receivingspace such that the curtain maintains complete coverage across thecurtain receiving space.
 2. The retractable curtain system according toclaim 1, further comprising a retraction system connected to the curtainto lower and raise the transparent panel up and down.
 3. The retractablecurtain system according to claim 2, wherein the curtain furtherincludes an upper curtain support at a first end of the curtain and alower curtain support supported by the curtain and positioned at asecond and opposite end of the curtain, and the retraction system isconfigured to roll and unroll the curtain about the lower curtainsupport.
 4. The retractable curtain system according to claim 3, whereinthe upper curtain support is secured to the first non-transparent paneland the lower curtain support is secured to the second non-transparentpanel.
 5. The retractable curtain system according to claim 4, whereinthe retraction system further includes a lifting mechanism having awinch and a hoisting cable connected to the curtain for raising andlowering the curtain.
 6. The retractable curtain system according toclaim 5, wherein the retraction system further includes an upper supportrod positioned on the upper frame and supporting the hoisting cable. 7.The retractable curtain system according to claim 6, wherein theretraction system further includes a pair of outer support rodspositioned along the pair of outer walls and configured to directraising and lowering of the lower curtain support.
 8. The retractablecurtain system according to claim 7, further comprising a pair ofrolling mechanisms having a set of rollers positioned around andcorresponding to the pair of outer support rods and connected to thelower curtain support.
 9. The retractable curtain system according toclaim 8, further comprising a winding device connected to and configuredto rotate the lower curtain support.
 10. The retractable curtain systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the winding device is connected to one ofthe pair of rolling mechanisms along one side of the pair of outersupport rods.
 11. The retractable curtain system according to claim 10,wherein the winding device is a roll-up mechanism for winding up thecurtain about the lower curtain support.
 12. The retractable curtainsystem according to claim 1, wherein the first non-transparent panel andthe transparent panel are each formed of a plastic material.
 13. Theretractable curtain system according to claim 1, wherein the firstnon-transparent panel is translucent.
 14. The retractable curtain systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the transparent panel is horizontallypositioned between the first non-transparent panel and the secondnon-transparent panel.
 15. The retractable curtain system according toclaim 14, wherein the first non-transparent panel is a rectangularsection of material positioned along an upper half of the curtain. 16.The retractable curtain system according to claim 15, wherein thetransparent panel is a rectangular section of material having a lighttransmittance greater than 90%.